Dubai Holding and Saudi Research and Publishing Company create Moutamarat

DUBAI, 25 June 2005: A major new Joint Venture, Moutamarat, has been created by Dubai Holding and leading Saudi group, Saudi Research and Publishing Company (SRPC), to manage conferences and exhibitions that will bring the latest trends in knowledge to the Arab world.

An agreement to this effect was signed today by Mohammed Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding and Dr. Azzam Al Dakhil, Chairman of SRPC.

"Moutamarat will develop its own portfolio of conferences and exhibitions with a strong focus on quality, innovative research and a clear sense of serving the public interest. In addition, Moutamarat will work with leading organizers to attract global meetings to the region and will seek strategic partnerships with like-minded institutions across the Gulf," stated Al Gergawi.

"The joint venture is a coordinated effort by two major companies in the region who share a vision for the central role that knowledge will play in driving forward the development of the region. It is one of the few examples of high-profile inter-Arab business initiatives that look to create value for the whole region" said Dr. Azzam.

"SRPC brings to this joint venture the reach of a media and communications giant, ensuring the broadest diffusion of knowledge generated at Moutamarat's events, as well as a wide choice of specialised media titles that guarantee in-depth analysis," added Dr. Azzam.

"The companies within Dubai Holding provide an ideal platform of industry-specific knowledge, strategic partnerships and business expertise that will contribute to the value proposition of Moutamarat's conferences and exhibitions. We see new business opportunities developing that will speak of our combined dynamism and talent," conclude Mr. Al Gergawi.

"The ultimate objective is to advance the business and industrial agendas of the region and to provide real take-home value for the participants," Dr. Azzam added.

The formation of Moutamarat is one of the strategic goals that SRPC is aiming to achieve. It is part of the plan to enter new markets that have a tremendous future potential for growth, added Dr. Azzam

Knowledge hub"The companies decide to partner for the region in Dubai to build on the unrivaled value proposition of Dubai as a hub for business, travel and leisure. Dubai is fast emerging as a hub for knowledge generation. We have always wanted to create a more structured approach towards bringing the latest in thought, leadership and knowledge and Moutamarat is the result," stated Mohammed Al Gergawi.

Al Gergawi also revealed that Moutamarat has been given charge from this year onwards of successfully organising and expanding the reach and role of existing prestigious events such as the Arab Strategy Forum 2006 and the Annual Meeting of the Young Arab Leaders in 2005.